The hottest Medicine Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Friday Q&A: intermittent fasting; APOE4 testing for Alzheimer’s; Pap test frequency; & at-home menopause tests

Are You Okay? • 479 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine
  1. Intermittent fasting may work for some to aid in weight loss or improved metabolism, but it can be challenging for many due to feelings of irritability and restrictive eating behaviors.
  2. Data on APOE4 gene testing for Alzheimer's is mixed; the decision to find out your APOE status should be thoughtful due to potential health anxiety, but lifestyle interventions may be suggested based on the results.
  3. Extreme diets like intermittent fasting may not be the most effective in the long run, and sustainable lifestyle changes are crucial for lasting health outcomes.

Is Designing Babies Unethical—or a Moral Imperative?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. Gene-editing technology has incredible potential to eliminate serious genetic diseases, which could save many lives. It's a powerful tool that could help create healthier babies.
  2. Some worry that this technology might lead to unethical choices, like selecting traits for intelligence or looks instead of just focusing on health. This could create a new form of eugenics.
  3. There's a big debate happening on whether designing babies is ethical or necessary. It's important for society to carefully consider the implications of these advancements for our future.

The Uncertain Origins of Aspirin

Asimov Press • 373 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine
  1. The origins of aspirin are complicated and often mixed up with myths and folklore. Many believe it comes from ancient uses of willow bark, but the evidence is not clear.
  2. While willow bark contains salicin, which can turn into salicylic acid in the body, it takes an impractical amount to achieve effects similar to modern aspirin. Real studies on its effectiveness in pain relief are limited.
  3. Aspirin's actual history can be traced back to the late 18th century, with significant contributions from figures like Reverend Stone and chemists at Bayer, showcasing how important accurate references and evidence are in understanding scientific developments.

Can Dietary Supplements Do Harm?

Are You Okay? • 619 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine
  1. Nature is beneficial, but not all solutions come in pill form. Many health issues can be addressed by examining and adjusting everyday habits.
  2. Be cautious with dietary supplements and always consider potential interactions with medication. Speak to your doctor about all the supplements you are taking.
  3. Check the credibility of information sources when considering supplements. Not all supplements are regulated closely, so it's important to seek certified products and reliable sources.
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Movers and Shakers - a Parkinson’s podcast

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1368 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🎙 Podcasts Medicine
  1. A group with Parkinson's launched the podcast Movers and Shakers after meeting at a London pub.
  2. The podcast features individuals with media backgrounds, including a High Court judge, discussing Parkinson's.
  3. The aim of the podcast is to educate, inform, and entertain, reaching out to people with Parkinson's, their caregivers, and the general public.

Altered states: The new science of appetite and brain plasticity

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine
  1. New weight-loss drugs like semaglutide can help people lose weight and improve their overall health. They might change how we think about appetite and cravings.
  2. These medications could have benefits beyond just weight loss, including helping with anxiety and even substance use disorders. They show promise in many areas of health.
  3. There is potential for these drugs to change society by reducing healthcare costs, improving self-esteem, and even aiding in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson’s.

Epistemic Hell

Secretum Secretorum • 1768 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. Through history, reasoning based on limited information has led to dangerous outcomes, like chronic cyanide poisoning and scurvy.
  2. Some scientific problems, like understanding heredity, have been challenging due to complexity and the need for exceptional datasets.
  3. To escape epistemic hells, radical ideas, serendipity, unlearning prior knowledge, and persistence are vital.

Sensing Our Way In The World

Wars Of Future Past • 452 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. Sensors in medical care can be prone to error, especially with newborns.
  2. Sensor error can have serious consequences, as seen in military incidents.
  3. It's important to recognize and account for the potential flaws in sensing machines.

Who Killed Steven Pollock?

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Medicine
  1. Steven Pollock was a pioneering mycologist passionate about the medicinal potential of magic mushrooms.
  2. Pollock's legacy includes revolutionizing magic mushroom cultivation and the legal status of magic truffles.
  3. The mysterious circumstances of Pollock's death and his unorthodox life ventures added layers of controversy and intrigue to his story.

Andrea Long Chu’s ‘New York’ Cover Story About Trans Kids Is, Above All Else, Lazy

Singal-Minded • 941 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Medicine
  1. The article discussed critiques about a cover story on trans kids, emphasizing that the argument for everyone to have access to sex-changing medical care was poorly defended and seemed more like trolling than meaningful discourse.
  2. There was criticism of the way the coverage of youth gender medicine was framed as a rights versus medical issue, highlighting that minors' decision-making capacities are different from adults and need to be considered.
  3. The piece also highlighted how the author viewed the anti-trans movement, pointing out that, according to them, the biggest opposition surprisingly came from liberals rather than the expected groups.

Reader Question - What Do You Think Of Obesity Medicine?

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine
  1. The American Board of Obesity Medicine certification is not officially recognized and may have financial ties to the weight loss industry.
  2. Doctors certified in Obesity Medicine may prioritize weight loss over patient health, potentially risking lives to achieve thinness.
  3. Patients, especially those who are fat, need to be cautious and research recommendations from doctors certified in Obesity Medicine to ensure the best interest of their health.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #55

Faster, Please! • 91 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Medicine
  1. A new fusion power plant is being built, which could provide energy from fusion reactions. This is a big step toward making fusion energy a reality.
  2. The FDA has approved a new HIV prevention shot that only requires two injections a year. This could help reduce new HIV infections significantly.
  3. There's a growing interest in fusion technology, with significant investments being made globally to develop it further.

Eight years in cocaine hell

The Quack Doctor • 39 implied HN points • 03 May 24
💾 History Medicine
  1. A Chicago society lady's life took a drastic turn when she tried a patent medicine with cocaine, leading to addiction and a downward spiral.
  2. The memoir 'Eight Years in Cocaine Hell' shed light on the dangers of addictive drugs in patent medicines, sparking discussions and legislative actions.
  3. Despite tragic experiences, recovery is possible - highlighting the importance of addressing substance abuse disorders in society today.

"Quack Medicine"

Public • 503 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine
  1. The Times of London criticizes 'gender-affirming care' using references to WPATH files.
  2. The post discusses the issue of 'Quack Medicine' and the attention it is receiving from a respected newspaper.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only.

How To Read for Trends

Think Future • 119 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. Identifying trends involves looking for patterns over time, both increasing and decreasing, in various aspects of society and industry.
  2. Reading news for trends involves focusing on 'real news' that provides deep insights and understanding of issues, rather than temporary headlines or human interest stories.
  3. Deep-lying trends impact many surface-level changes, with monitoring deep trends providing valuable insights for forecasting the future.

An open letter to readers: back to what Unreported Truths does best

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Medicine
  1. Focus on topics you know best, like medicine, to give readers valuable insights. It's important to stick to what you do well.
  2. Listening to reader feedback can help improve your content and ensure it stays relevant. Readers appreciate when their preferences are considered.
  3. Writing about less controversial topics may provide more value than engaging in heated debates. It's better to cover important issues than to get caught up in arguments.

Edwin Cohn and the Harvard Blood Factory

Asimov Press • 174 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. Edwin Cohn greatly advanced medical treatments during World War II by developing blood products that helped save soldiers' lives. His team created more stable albumin solutions that could be used in emergencies, proving crucial for treating wounded soldiers.
  2. Cohn transformed his lab from a focus on theoretical experiments to practical applications during the war. He implemented pilot plants that increased efficiency, allowing for the quick transition from lab findings to actual medical products.
  3. Cohn's approach shows the importance of combining solid funding, teamwork, and a clear vision to tackle big scientific problems. His success reflects how having the right infrastructure and support can allow researchers to make impactful discoveries.

Learn to Read Science Part 1: The CATIE Trial

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 58 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. The CATIE Trial is a significant research study comparing new antipsychotic medicines with older ones in real-world settings and published in high-impact medical journals.
  2. Medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine have high impact factors, which are determined by the number of times articles are cited.
  3. Effectiveness research involves large sample sizes, and the methods section of a research paper provides essential details about the study design and participants.

Sipping the Sacred Brew: One-On-One With a Taita From The Colombian Amazon

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Medicine
  1. Yagé is deeply rooted in tradition and must be respected and served with knowledge and experience.
  2. The global expansion of ayahuasca brings both benefits and risks, with a potential loss of cultural traditions.
  3. Regulation and proper training are essential to address the rise of fake Taitas and ensure the preservation of the sacred plant medicine.

What Should Grow?

Adapt : Survive : Prevail • 117 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Medicine
  1. Focus on areas like medicine for improving human life and reducing suffering.
  2. Expand education by democratizing and decommodifying it, emphasizing the love of learning.
  3. Promote recreational activities that are meaningful and less destructive, moving away from commodification.

Nature's Melody: The Healing Harmony of Ayahuasca Icaros

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Medicine
  1. Icaros are traditional healing songs used in ayahuasca ceremonies by indigenous tribes in South America. They play a crucial role in guiding the psychedelic journey and can induce intense emotional, physical, and spiritual experiences.
  2. Icaros have diverse purposes, from healing and protection to manipulating outcomes like making someone fall in love or affecting distant events. They are believed to connect individuals with a higher power and strengthen their abilities.
  3. Icaros are learned during isolation periods known as dietas, where individuals engage in deep reflection and communion with sacred plant allies in the Amazon jungle. These practices are essential for shamans and individuals seeking spiritual growth.

Tuesday Links

Niko McCarty • 19 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. New AI models are being developed to design DNA sequences and create new antibodies. These advancements could help in understanding genetic activities better.
  2. Researchers have found a clever way to help microbes absorb molecules that usually cannot enter cells by attaching them to compounds that can. This could lead to new methods in biotechnology.
  3. Joining cancer trials might not help patients live longer, according to a study. It's important for patients to consider this when thinking about trial participation.

Mental health in space: don’t get too crazy about space

Space Ambition • 299 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🔬 Science Medicine
  1. Space travel is really tough on astronauts' mental health. They deal with social and sensory deprivation, plus the stress of strict schedules and technical tasks, which can lead to serious issues if not managed well.
  2. Preventing mental health problems in space is key. Space agencies carefully select astronauts based on their personalities and provide support like remote check-ins and family care packages to keep morale high.
  3. As space missions get longer and more complex, the need for dedicated mental health support will grow. Future solutions might include AI tools and better station designs to help astronauts cope with mental challenges during missions.

Age of Invention: The Industrial Romantics

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 752 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
💾 History Medicine
  1. Samuel More's passion for industry made him an industrial romantic who found awe in technological advancements.
  2. The West Midlands flourished and grew due to improvements in medicine, iron, ceramics, and new transportation infrastructure like roads, railways, and canals.
  3. Technology and infrastructure created an extraordinary boom in the West Midlands during a time of trade interruption from the American Revolution.

The human x-ray scientists

The Quack Doctor • 9 HN points • 12 Jul 24
💾 History Medicine
  1. Albert and William Grant claimed extraordinary abilities as 'Human X-Ray' scientists, including diagnosing diseases and growing new internal organs.
  2. Despite their claims, the brothers faced scrutiny and criticism after several deaths occurred under their unconventional treatments.
  3. The story sheds light on the desperation of patients seeking hope where traditional medicine offered little to no cure, showcasing the vulnerability and trust of those in the face of incurable diseases.

Herbs, Hexes, & Hallucinogens: Inside the Witches' Apothecary

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Medicine
  1. Witches in history were often herbalists, midwives, and women who didn't conform to societal norms, leading to their persecution.
  2. The publication of 'The Malleus Maleficarum' in the 1500s fueled a witch hunt resulting in numerous false accusations and deaths.
  3. Witches' apothecaries contained powerful hallucinogenic and poisonous plants like datura, mandrake, and belladonna, used for medicinal and ritualistic purposes.

Infinite prep

Optimism of the will • 98 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Medicine
  1. Infinite prep enables seeking out and exploiting every edge in an activity for professionalization.
  2. AI enhances learning and practice in fields like programming through interactive feedback and personalized examples.
  3. AI supports professionals in various sectors like law and medicine by aiding in training for complex scenarios and interactions.

Arsenic and old faces

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 24
💾 History Medicine
  1. Arsenic was once thought to provide a youthful complexion, leading to the trend of advertising arsenic pills and soaps in the 1890s.
  2. Entrepreneurs in the 1890s marketed commercial arsenic products for complexion, openly promoting the poisonous ingredient as a benefit.
  3. Chemists faced legal trouble in the late 1800s for selling arsenic soap that did not actually contain arsenic, signaling a dangerous trend of mislabeling products.